Ha
Long Bay, one of the world heritages in Viet Namís northern
province of Quang Ninh, is not included in the list
of environmentally polluted heritages, says Deputy Head
of the Ha Long Bay Management Department after the 30th
session of the World Heritage Committee, held from 8
to 16 July in Vilius Ė Lithuania.

Previously, local people and international
environmentalists were concerned
that the ecosystem of the Ha Long Bay may be affected
by a future cement factory near the landscape area.

The Cam Pha cement factory is located
10 km from the protective border of the bay, and all
of its processing factories are reported to be
only even 25km from the bay.

The Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment in conjunction with local authorities
has carried out close examinations
on the surrounding environment and the buffer zone before
the factory is built in early 2007.

The
Management Department of the Ha Long
Bay confirms that the landscape site is affected by
just household waste from a large number of villagers
and visitors. However, the polluted area is an isolated
spot from the center of the heritage setting.

Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin,
includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular
seascape of limestone pillars. The site's outstanding
scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological
interest.

Ha Long Bay has twice been recognized
by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional
scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic
values.